Photoelectrochemical Reduction of CO2 over Graphene-Based Composites: Basic Principle, Recent Progress, and Future Perspective

In response to aggravated fossil resources consuming and greenhouse effect, CO2 reduction has become a globally important scientific issue because this method can be used to produce value-added feedstock for application in alternative energy supply. Photoelectrocatalysis, achieved by combining optical energy and external electrical bias, is a feasible and promising system for CO2 reduction. In particular, applying graphene in tuning photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction has aroused considerable attention because graphene is advantageous for enhancing CO2 adsorption, facilitating electrons transfer, and thus optimizing the performance of graphene-based composite electrodes. In this review, we elaborate the fundamental principle, basic preparation methods, and recent progress in developing a variety of graphene-based composite electrodes for photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2 into solar fuels and chemicals. We also present a perspective on the opportunities and challenges for future research in this booming area and highlight the potential evolution strategies for advancing the research on photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction.